Question

Which of the following is NOT a principle of effective communication in extension?

• A. Clarity of message
• B. Two-way communication
• C. Technical Jargon
• D. Active listening

Hint:

To ensure effective communication with rural communities, always translate complex scientific terms into simple local languages and avoid using complicated technical jargon.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Effective communication in agricultural extension ensures that agricultural technologies are understood and adopted by rural audiences.
This relies on principles that eliminate noise, confusion, and psychological barriers between the extension worker and the farmer.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us examine the principles of effective communication:
- Clarity of message:
An extension message must be simple, concise, and easy to comprehend.
Any ambiguity in the message can cause misinterpretation, leading to failure in technology adoption. Thus, clarity is an essential principle.
- Two-way communication:
Traditional top-down (one-way) communication is less effective in extension.
Two-way communication allows feedback, enabling farmers to voice their concerns and clarify doubts, making it a critical principle.
- Technical Jargon:
Using highly complex scientific terms, formulas, or academic jargon is a major barrier to communication.
Since farmers may not have formal scientific training, technical jargon creates a cognitive gap and confuses the audience.
Thus, avoiding jargon is the principle; using it is a barrier.
- Active listening:
Extension agents must listen actively to farmers to understand their local situations and indigenous knowledge.
Thus, Technical Jargon is not a principle of effective communication; rather, it is a major communication barrier.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Therefore, the correct option is (C).